Introduction
I’m Liz McLellan, founder of Liz McLellan Strategy and a systems thinker with over 25 years of experience in the tech field. Based in the beautiful landscapes of Halfway, Oregon, I’ve transitioned from urban tech environments to a more balanced rural setting that informs my approach to sustainable digital systems.
My Story
After decades as a web strategist for non-profits and a user interface specialist in fast-paced tech environments, I recognized a critical gap: the digital tools meant to enhance creativity were often disrupting it instead. Creative professionals and neurodivergent thinkers were spending more energy managing their tools than doing their best work.
This realization led me to found Liz McLellan Strategy, where I now design intuitive systems and workflows that preserve creative flow across various ventures and projects. My approach combines technical expertise with deep empathy for different thinking styles, particularly neurodivergent perspectives.
Philosophy
I believe that technology should adapt to humans, not the other way around. Every system I design follows three core principles:
• Preserve Creative Flow – Eliminate friction points that interrupt the precious state where your best work happens
• Honor Diverse Thinking – Create flexible systems that accommodate different cognitive styles and processing needs
• Build Sustainable Solutions – Design for longevity and adaptability rather than constant replacement
Education & Background
• University of California, Berkeley
• California College of the Arts
• 25+ years in tech strategy and user interface design
• Rural community development and sustainability advocate
• Systems thinking practitioner
Community Involvement
My commitment to community extends beyond my client work. I’ve served as President and Board Member for United Community Partners since 2012, helping rural communities develop sustainable infrastructure and digital capacity. This work has given me unique insights into creating systems that work for diverse users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Personal Interests
When I’m not designing systems, you’ll find me exploring sustainable living practices, researching emerging AI technologies, and finding innovative ways to bridge technology and rural development, I’m in my garden getting dirty.
Work With Me
I bring a unique combination of technical expertise, systems thinking, and human-centered design to every project. If you’re looking to create digital environments where creativity can flourish without technical friction, let’s talk about how we can work together.
liz@lizmclellan